Mercurial
Also known as: Classic Cool, Rocky Bluffs, Warm Pewter, Dove
Expect neutral and understated associations from Mercurial — a soft gray well suited to minimal interfaces and architecture. Its complement lands in gray territory, which makes for striking two-color pairings. Against dark backgrounds it stays legible (9.77:1), but avoid it as text on white.
Mercurial color codes
- HEX
- #B6B0A9
- RGB
- rgb(182, 176, 169)
- RGBA
- rgba(182, 176, 169, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(32, 8%, 69%)
- HSV
- hsv(32, 7%, 71%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 3%, 7%, 29%)
- LAB
- lab(72.2 1.3 4.4)
- OKLCH
- oklch(76.0% 0.012 71.9)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
neutral, leaning warm
subtle orange undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: darkgray#A9A9A9 · ΔE 4.7
- RAL 7044 — Silk grey#BDBDB2 · ΔE 5.2 · approximate
RAL values are widely published approximations of the physical standard. For Pantone-adjacent workflows, match by eye against a physical fan deck — Pantone's values are proprietary and device-dependent, so we don't print lookups.
Where Mercurial works
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively — dividers, chart series, illustration accents — and let neutrals carry the type.
- Interiors: Muted enough to paint all four walls; sample it in both daylight and evening light before committing.
- Fashion: Works as a base layer or outerwear tone that lets brighter pieces do the talking.
- Branding: As a brand anchor it reads established and tactile; pair with a single vivid accent for energy.
- Interiors: Use it where you want the eye to land — front door, built-ins, or one bold wall.
- Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Mercurial
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Mercurial by rotating its hue in OKLCH space. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Contrast & accessibility
Aa — on white
contrast 2.15:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Aa — on black
contrast 9.77:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Best text color on a Mercurial background: #000000
Palettes featuring Mercurial
Mercurial with its complement
Soft neighbors of Mercurial
Mercurial triad
Similar colors
- Dove#B3ADA7 · ΔE 1.0
- Rampart#BCB7B1 · ΔE 2.0
- Cathedral#ACAAA7 · ΔE 3.1
- Moonbeam#C2B8AE · ΔE 3.1
- Taupedo#BAAEA8 · ΔE 3.2
- Zen Pebble#BAB8AD · ΔE 3.8
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Mercurial is closest to Microchip.
Mercurial FAQs
What color is Mercurial?
Mercurial is a medium gray with the hex code #B6B0A9. In HSL terms it has a hue of 32°, 8% saturation, and 69% lightness.
What is the hex code for Mercurial?
The hex code for Mercurial is #B6B0A9. In RGB it's rgb(182, 176, 169), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 3%, 7%, 29%).
What colors go well with Mercurial?
Mercurial pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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